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Toyota Prius Prime adds plug-in efficiency to hybrid drivetrain (pictures)

Toyota renames the Prius Plugin as the Prius Prime for the 2017 model year, using the all-new Prius hybrid model as the basis for this more efficient, more electric version.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2017 Toyota Prius Prime
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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Toyota launched a generational update to its Prius hybrid model recently, and follows that car up with the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime at the New York auto show.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime
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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Prime is the new name Toyota is giving the plug-in hybrid version of the Prius.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

The Prime combines the Prius' hybrid drivetrain with a larger battery pack that can be recharged from the grid.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

The hybrid drivetrain and plug-in capability give the Prius Prime fuel efficiency of 120 mpg equivalent, in Toyota's initial estimation.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Like the Prius, the Prius Prime gets a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, burning gasoline to drive the front wheels.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

The hybrid system adds an electric drive motor to the engine. Electricity is recaptured through braking and deceleration, and reused to drive the car.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

LED headlights contribute to the Prius Prime's efficiency, and will likely last for the life of the car.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Unlike the standard Prius, the Prius Prime gets a large 8-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

On a f ull charge, the Prius Prime can go 22 miles under electricity alone.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

As with the Prius, the Prius Prime's styling reflect very specific aerodynamic needs.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

The new Prius exhibits much better handling and driving dynamics over its predecessor, but the Prius Prime will have to contend with a heavier battery pack.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Braking regeneration, recharging the battery, greatly reduces wear and tear on the friction brakes.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Toyota gives the Prius Prime this floating roof look with a blacked-out rear pillar.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Instead of separate fuel filler and plug-in ports, Toyota combines those under one hatch.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

The Prius Prime plugs into a standard J1772 electric car charger.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

The Prius Prime retains its practicality with plenty of cargo space.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

The dashboard has a future-forward style.

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime

This 11-inch portrait style touchscreen will be an option in the Prius Prime.

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